Part 1/8:
A Descent into Darkness: The Tale of Moby Dick
The film's narrative traces the journey of Herman Melville as he attempts to uncover the harrowing tale of the whaleship Essex from Thomas Nickerson, its last survivor. Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, the story begins with Melville’s arrival on Nantucket Island in 1850, where he encounters Nickerson, who initially rebuffs his requests for the tragic story. After some persuasion and financial incentives, Nickerson reluctantly agrees to share his tale, leading the audience into a flashback to 1820.